A few years ago, as I was looking for free resources to supplement my horseback riding skills, I discovered an online community that has changed my life.
It all started with a documentary called “Listening to the Horse” featuring over 70 of the world’s most inspiring horse people including Mark Rashid, Jim Masterson, Dr. Robert Miller, Jeff Sanders, Steve Halfpenny, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Lester Buckley, Smokie Brannaman, Elaine Heney, Carolyn Resnick, Warwick Schiller, Guy McLean, Kim Walnes, Dagmar, Julie Goodnight, Karen Rohlf and many more. The documentary explains many aspects of our lives with horses, including acknowledging when our horses try, feel, timing and balance, fixing problems, working with wild and young horses, groundwork, liberty, footfall, why collection is important for the horses’ health, feet, teeth, general health, bodywork, healing, animal communication, saddle and bit fit, fear and confidence issues, mental health, home and environment. I was hooked!
I started to follow individual presenters to learn more about their personal experiences with horses. Their stories were inspiring and extremely helpful. Many of them offer free online workshops that will help you test your knowledge of riding and training horses. For example, I learned from Steve Halfpenny to be more patient with the horses and to focus on building a true connection first. Steve’s training emphasizes a much lighter contact and responsiveness between horse and rider called “Light Hands Equitation”.
Jeff Sanders is one of very few still teaching the California Vaquero style of horsemanship. I highly recommend signing up for his free online California Hackamore workshop.
Finally, Shawna Karrasch, a pioneer in the use of Positive Reinforcement Training with horses, known also as a clicker training among a dog training community. I’ve had an opportunity to meet Shawna and attend one of her clinics in Maryland. During the clinic, I have learned some exceptional training techniques for trailer loading, starting young horses, ground and under saddle work.
These are just a few of the very inspiring horsemen and horsewomen. Each one of them has positively changed my perspective on riding and horsemanship forever!
Last but certainly not least, Elaine Heney, the director and producer of the “Listening to the Horse” documentary, receives high praise from the horse lover’s community. Elaine’s mission is to help horse owners around the world by listening to the horse, building great partnerships together, and making the world a better place for the horse. She lives in Ireland with her horses Ozzie & Matilda. Elaine writes a blog and hosts a podcast discussing many aspects of horses and riders’ mental and physical wellbeing. Elaine offers a few paid courses with exercises to help you improve your groundwork and riding skills.
Check it all out! Who knows, perhaps it will change your life too.
